Dirt biking represents one of the most equipment-intensive hobbies you can pursue. Between bikes, gear, maintenance, travel, and race entries, the costs add up quickly—and that’s before you even consider the inevitable upgrades and modifications that every rider dreams about. For many enthusiasts, dirt bike rider support programs offer a genuine pathway to offset these expenses while building relationships with brands they genuinely love. These programs function as partnerships where you receive discounted or free products in exchange for representing the brand within your local riding community and social networks. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tearing up local trails or an aspiring competitive racer chasing podium finishes, understanding how rider support works could transform your relationship with the sport you love.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about dirt bike rider support programs—from the different sponsorship tiers and application timelines to specific programs worth targeting and strategies for building a compelling application. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for pursuing sponsorship opportunities that align with your riding goals and budget needs.
How Dirt Bike Rider Support Programs Actually Work
Dirt bike rider support isn’t about getting paid to race—it’s a strategic partnership where brands discount their products for riders who actively promote their gear. In exchange for discounts typically ranging from 20 to 50 percent off retail prices, supported riders become brand ambassadors who increase product awareness through their social media presence, local riding groups, and word-of-mouth recommendations. This arrangement benefits everyone involved—riders stretch their budgets further while brands gain credible advocates whose genuine enthusiasm resonates more authentically than traditional advertising.
Why Brands Invest in Rider Support Instead of Cash Sponsorships
Most companies view rider support as an investment in community building rather than a purely commercial transaction. Brands recognize that passionate weekend riders often make better long-term partners than elite athletes who might switch sponsorships frequently or lack genuine connection with the products they represent. The overwhelming majority of dirt bike participants—approximately 99.9 percent—ride as a hobby rather than a profession, and this reality shapes how most brands structure their support programs.
Critical insight: The more sales you generate for a brand through your influence, the greater the level of dirt bike rider support you’ll receive—regardless of your competitive skill level. This democratizes sponsorship opportunities, making them accessible to riders at all levels who demonstrate genuine commitment.
Navigate the Three-Tier Rider Support Structure
Rider support programs organize participants into tiered structures that reward increasing levels of commitment and value contribution. Understanding these tiers helps you target appropriate programs and set realistic advancement goals.
Discounted Product Tier: Your Entry Point to Sponsorship
This tier provides product discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent off retail prices, directly reducing your equipment costs while beginning to build a documented relationship with the brand. Brands generally expect to see sustained engagement over multiple seasons before considering advancement. Riders in this tier should focus on:
- Demonstrating genuine product use in your riding videos and social posts
- Growing your local influence through organized riding groups
- Maintaining professional communication with brand representatives
- Documenting how your support drives sales within your community
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the power of tagging brands in your social media content—this simple action provides measurable value that brands track when evaluating your support level.
Free Product Tier: Earning Premium Support Through Results
This significant advancement is reserved for riders who have proven exceptional value through race results, social media influence, and documented success in selling products for sponsors. Reaching this tier requires building a reputation that precedes you within the racing community. Free product comes with responsibilities including:
- Active brand promotion across all social channels
- Timely product feedback on performance and durability
- Consistent representation at local events and competitions
- Documented evidence of how your endorsement drives sales
Warning: Many riders mistakenly believe free product means “no strings attached”—in reality, brands expect significant marketing effort in return for this elevated support level.
Time Your Applications Perfectly for Maximum Success
Most dirt bike rider support programs operate on defined application cycles rather than accepting submissions year-round, making timing a critical factor in your sponsorship strategy.
September-November: The Prime Application Window
The majority of brands open their application periods between September and November, with specific windows including:
- Fasst Company: Strict September 1st to October 31st window (no applications accepted outside this period)
- Enduro Engineering: November 1st through January 1st annually
- Works Connection: Year-round applications but with strongest consideration during fall cycle
Action step: Prepare your materials 2-3 weeks before September 1st so you can submit immediately when windows open. Brands receive substantial application volumes during these periods, and prompt submission demonstrates initiative.
Target These Top Rider Support Programs First
Several established programs offer genuine value to dirt bike enthusiasts across all skill levels. Focus your efforts on these proven opportunities before expanding to more niche brands.
Works Connection: The Accessible Industry Standard
Works Connection operates one of the most inclusive programs, welcoming riders from beginners to National-level competitors. Their one-year sponsorship model requires annual renewal, ensuring continued engagement. Key details:
- Application process: Create an account on their website and submit a racing resume
- Geographic limitation: Currently limited to riders in the United States and Canada
- Contact: ridersupport@worksconnection.com for program inquiries
Pro tip: Works Connection prioritizes riders who demonstrate community involvement beyond just racing—highlight any local riding group leadership or youth mentoring in your application.
Hinson Clutch: Premium Support for Performance-Oriented Riders
Hinson Clutch sponsors elite athletes including Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb, but their program also welcomes regional competitors. Their comprehensive application gathers detailed information about:
- Your race frequency (from “less than 5 races/year” to “more than 15”)
- Current bike setup across multiple machines
- Social media presence and influence metrics
- Previous sponsorship history
Key insight: Hinson’s review process typically takes just 1-2 business days—follow up politely if you haven’t heard back within this timeframe.
Build a Winning Sponsorship Resume That Gets Results
Your resume serves as the foundation of any successful dirt bike rider support application. A well-crafted document can make the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Essential Resume Sections That Brands Actually Review
Header with complete contact information: Include your legal name (no nicknames), full address, phone number, email, and relevant social media links. Brands need this information for product shipping and official communication.
Skill level and racing classes: Clearly state your declared skill level and specific racing classes. This helps brands assess your fit for their target demographics.
Recent accomplishments (last 12-18 months only): Focus on current highlights rather than cataloging every past race. Include non-racing achievements like academic honors or business ventures—brands value well-rounded individuals.
Your value proposition: Honestly assess how you promote brands:
– How many riding buddies currently use the sponsor’s products?
– What’s the size and engagement rate of your social following?
– What specific strategies will you use to promote products locally?
Final checklist before submitting:
– Proofread thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors
– Keep to 1-2 pages maximum
– Include high-quality action photos
– Format consistently with clear section headings
Avoid These Critical Rider Support Application Mistakes
Many riders sabotage their dirt bike rider support applications through preventable errors. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Applying to Too Many Brands Simultaneously
Industry experts recommend pursuing 5-7 meaningful brand relationships rather than dozens of superficial sponsorships. Quality consistently outweighs quantity—brands notice when you’re spreading yourself too thin.
Solution: Research brands thoroughly and target those whose products you genuinely use and believe in. Build authentic relationships rather than collecting logos.
Mistake #2: Sending Generic, Mass-Distributed Applications
Brands receive hundreds of applications during open windows—yours will stand out if you demonstrate specific knowledge of their products and values.
Actionable fix: Before applying, engage with the brand’s social content for 2-3 weeks. Reference specific products you’ve used in your application email to show genuine familiarity.
Maximize Your Sponsorship Value Long-Term
Dirt bike rider support represents a business relationship built on mutual benefit. Approach it with professionalism to build lasting partnerships that grow with your riding career.
Track and Document Your Value to Sponsors
Brands need evidence that your support delivers results. Create a simple tracking system that documents:
- Social media posts featuring their products (with engagement metrics)
- Local events where you represented the brand
- Riders you’ve influenced to purchase their products
- Constructive feedback you’ve provided on product performance
Pro tip: Send quarterly “value reports” to your sponsors—this simple gesture demonstrates professionalism and often leads to increased support.
Build Genuine Relationships Beyond Transactions
The most successful sponsored riders treat their brand relationships as partnerships rather than transactions. Connect with brand representatives at events, provide thoughtful feedback, and express genuine appreciation for their support.
Critical insight: Your reputation in the tight-knit dirt bike community precedes you—always represent yourself and your sponsors with integrity, both online and at the track.
Final Note: Successful dirt bike rider support isn’t about getting free stuff—it’s about building authentic partnerships where both you and the brand grow together. By understanding the tiered structure, timing your applications strategically, crafting compelling resumes, and demonstrating genuine value, you’ll position yourself for meaningful sponsorship relationships that enhance your riding experience without breaking the bank. Start with one or two targeted applications this fall cycle, focus on delivering measurable value, and watch your support grow organically as your influence expands within the dirt bike community.
